Combrinck adds tactical kicking boost

Combrinck was named in the starting line up for the Test-series decider against Ireland in Port Elizabeth. The Lions utility back made an undeniable argument for his inclusion after a Man of the Match performance last weekend which sparked a Springbok comeback to beat the Irish 32-26 in Johannesburg.

In the wake of Pat Lambie's injury, it was important to have a player who can kick proficiently with the right boot as well as a long-range goal kicker and Combrinck can do both.

"Bringing Ruan Combrinck into the team gives us another right-footed kicker which we don’t have with Faf, Elton and Willie le Roux at the back," Coetzee told the press on Thursday.

"It’s noted that Ireland have been kicking down that left-hand side, so Combrinck gives us that right foot option and brings us an additional goal-kicker from 50m out."